Chicago Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The Original Chicago BJJ Coach

Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was introduced into the Chicago scene well before the popularity of MMA. In 1994, Dino Costeas, TDC MMA’s Founder, opened the first Jiu Jitsu academy in Chicago. The academy was located in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood and quickly caught the attention of people looking for a new way to stay in shape and learn self-defense.

Not only was Dino gaining attention through this newly introduced style of combat fighting, but his skill and expertise soon reached soon-to-be UFC Heavyweight Champ, Andrei Arlovski, who was entering the UFC scene. Arlovski at that time was known for his Sambo fighting style, but knew he needed to add Brazilian Jiu Jitsu into his fighting style to become successful in UFC. In early 2000, Arlovski started BJJ training with Dino.

BJJ is commonly known as the ultimate self-defense. Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students learn that you can be a much smaller person and still deal with a much larger person if put in such a situation. With this mindset, BJJ students learn confidence on-top of self-defense. Dino’s style of teaching BJJ is unmatched anywhere in Chicago. (In fact, there’s a good chance that if you’ve ever checked out other BJJ gyms around Chicago that they may have trained with Dino at some point in their career.)

Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on getting opponents on the ground to create a more level playing field for smaller opponents. Once on the ground fundamentals of submission, joint-locks, chokeholds and powerful striking are used to overpower opponents.

At TDC MMA + Fitness, BJJ is the core of our training and our facility. All of our programs incorporate some sort of BJJ fundamentals. BJJ is an essential skill to have in order to be a well-rounded fighter. At the very least you will be confident if you’re ever in a bad situation with an opponent larger (and maybe even stronger) than you.

Come check out a class or learn more about TDC MMA + Fitness programs in Chicago. We also offer new member trial rates so you can experience our classes and facilities for yourself.